CHAPTER 26: I NO LONGER HATE YOU.

The morning sun beamed through the window, landing directly on Dorian, who was fast asleep on the bed.

His once-empty and depressing room was now crammed with belongings and exquisite decorations to make it pop.

Bookshelves stood at the corner, along with burning candles strapped to the wall to create a stunning visual from any side of the room.

A mahogany desk, intricately carved with mythical beasts, sat proudly near the window, laden with ancient texts and quills tipped with peacock feathers.

A plush, velvet armchair, the color of deep sapphire, invited repose beside a grand fireplace, its mantelpiece adorned with gilded statues and family crests. A Persian rug, a riot of crimson and gold, covered the polished wooden floor.

However, Dorian wanted none of this; alas, he was powerless against his mother’s will.

In any case, he had woken up, ready to greet the new day.

Or so he thought.

As he opened his eyes to get out of bed, he noticed someone sitting right on top of him.

It was a female, one he very well recognized.

’Yelena?’

He stared at her, shock gradually growing on his face.

She was seated right on top of his crotch, both her hands resting on his chest. She was also dressed in her usual jean shorts and red top.

Though what really caught Dorian’s attention was the hungry look Yelena was giving him, her tongue sticking out of her lips.

Then she spoke—

"Good morning, Brotherr~ It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Two years or so?" Her smile grew even wider as she leaned forward.

Dorian gathered himself quickly.

The first thing he did was scan the room to make sure no one was hiding in the corners.

After confirming he wasn’t being set up, he turned his attention back to Yelena.

’What is she doing in my room?’

Since he had reincarnated, he had barely seen his sister. Mainly because she was always cooped up inside her room, always against stepping out whenever it involved Dorian.

And there was also the fact he knew she hated him; a few things had happened during their childhood that led to that. Which was one of the main reasons he never tried to contact her either.

But if she came to him of her own accord, then she must definitely want something.

Forcing a grin, Dorian spoke back—

"You finally left your room. All the liveliness in the mansion drew your attention a little too much, uhn?"

Yelena paused, then looked towards the door.

"True, there are more workers in the house than usual. Mother even gave me my own private maid. It’s kind of strange, especially knowing all this is happening because of you."

’Oh, so that’s it? She just came here to thank me or something. And here I thought she was here for revenge or something.’

"Brother, is there any particular reason as to why you are gathering only female retainers?" She turned her gaze towards him, her cheeks puffed a bit.

"What?"

"I mean, there is Maria, and then the new girl with black hair. Are you trying to gather willing wives or something?" Her question felt like a flat-out interrogation.

Not that Dorian minded a few questions here and there.

Still, he couldn’t help but wonder, ’Why is she having a conversation with me?’

Their last real conversation, one-on-one, was many years ago, following a huge fight that had occurred between them. Dorian, of course, had no memory of this, which led to them fighting even more.

In her own words, she hated him and never wanted to speak to him again.

And yet, here she was, sitting right on top of him and asking him about the girls he was gathering.

As if reading his mind, Yelena leaned even closer, her perfectly shaped chest pressed against his, and her face only a few inches away.

"Are you surprised that I am talking to you, or are you surprised that your sister is sitting on you so early in the morning?"

"Both!" Dorian hastily responded.

With a slight giggle, Yelena rose back up, her hands still pressed on her brother’s chest.

Dorian tried to lift himself, but Yelena was against it, using her finger to push him back down.

"You’re so easy to read, big bro. It’s alright; I forgive you for forgetting about our promise." She raised her shoulder. "Even if you didn’t come to talk to me and make sure I was doing okay, I still forgive you. And even if you bring more w-women here, I’ll f-forgive you because you’re my big brother."

The more she talked, the more difficult it was for her to control her anger.

"What are you—"

"So basically—" Yelena placed her finger on his lips. "I want us to go back to how we were. I was happy just watching you from the shadows. I’m well aware of how much you’ve changed over the months. And I’m happy as well," she wore a somewhat despairing look.

"That is why I need to make sure you’re okay and these girls aren’t taking advantage of you. If that means spending more time with you, then I am more than ready to do that. I want to support you as much as I can, can’t I?"

The eyes of Yelena widened ever so delicately.

Every word that left her mouth only made Dorian more wary.

If he even tried to take her by her words, he could get flashbacks of when she broke down in front of him, constantly yelling how she hated him and wished he were dead.

This was also a huge event that pushed the former Dorian to the edge and made him kill himself.

Also, something about it reminded him so much of Yoshino. Was it her manner of speech?

"So if I understand you, you just want us to get closer?" Dorian pressed.

"That is correct."

"And you no longer hate me?"

"That is also true."

Dorian stared in deep thought.

He considered using the Analysis skill on her, but it takes so much mana and might be such a waste to use it on something trivial, especially since he would surely need it later in the day.

Thus, he was forced to believe whatever she said, whether it was true or not.

"Fine, do as you must," he said, narrowing his gaze. "Do you plan on getting off me any time soon?"

Upon hearing his playful protest, Yelena automatically took it as a good chance to tease him even more.

She stuck a single finger in her mouth, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Oh? Don’t tell me your sister is turning you on—"

Baam!

With a snap, the room’s door opened.

Both Dorian and Yelena turned their gazes towards the entrance to see Maria standing there, a stern expression on her face.

"Lady Yelena, how many times have I told you not to enter Lord Dorian’s room when he is asleep?!"

As soon as she said that, she strode into the room.

...

[A/N]

Character art is now out for three characters. Yelena will be uploaded tomorrow in good faith. I received a PS from you guys yesterday; thank you so much. If we get to 50, I’ll mass-release two Chapters.